Air Force life

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With much research, thought, and consideration I have decided to join the Air Force. I am a new grad in Ca and therefore do not have much hope of getting a job in the near future. My husband is an Army Vet and is 100% supportive of becoming a military dependent. I just had a few questions for anyone with experience.

-I have undiagnosed knee issue from previous marathon running (IT-Band Syndrome). It's a sort of unpredictable pain but I am hoping it wont be an issue? It's usually hurts with long distances 5+ miles

-We are young and want a family in the next 1-2 years. Pregnant Air Force nurse experiences?

-How do you like AF life in general? I've been military before, but my husband says AF is going to be very different as an officer.

-I've spoken to a recruiter, who is now getting a hold of the health care recruiter about me. He said I could be in by Jan. 2011 for the next COT. What can I do now to prepare? Should I take a civilian job if offered for the next few months, only to quit to leave for COT?

Thanks in advance for responses!

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i would not breath a word about the knee problem since it only comes into play after 5+ miles.

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I second what Flipper911 says. Especially since you will most like never find yourself in a situation that requires you to run 5 miles.

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Specializes in ICU, PACU.

I also have IT band problems in my right leg and it comes and goes without warning but my problem starts after a few minutes of running. I can run through the pain for about 2 miles. Don't mention any knee pain to anyone especially since it does not effect you until mile # 5. It will only cause problems for you during the application process. At COT the most you will have to run is a 5K.

Recently, I have solved my IT band problems. I went to a professional foot orthotics store and got fitted for orthotics. I have not had any IT band problems since I started using the orthotics (which has been 9 months). My knee pain has gone away as well.

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Thanks for the advice everyone! The ironic part is I have been a runner and extremely active my whole life, and now when it counts I am scared of doing a 5K!

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

It's never been diagnosed so it is not a problem.

I was prior enlisted army, now I'm an Air Force nurse since May. I can say that COT was nothing like basic, not even comparable. Basic was about physical and turning you into a soldier. COT is about developing a leader and not so much physical. It is really different being an officer. I thought I'd relate more to the enlisted, but I find my mindset has changed alot since then. I still don't feel like I should be saluted! lol. Luckily, at Wilford Hall, there is so much rank that a captain is one of the lower ranks.

There are plenty of pregnant women around. I would note that there was a lady at COT who had a baby at home. She really had a hard time at times wondering why she left that baby to go there. It would probably feel the same being deployed with young kids at home. You will be deployed, and most people seem to like being deployed. But I think you are aware of how that might effect you. It doesn't mean you can't do it, just be aware of what you are facing. (My family is not here with me. They stayed home in Phoenix. Phones cut the distance of kids who can talk, but don't send the hugs so great.).

Lastly, I wouldn't count on January. If it happens, great. But mine took forever, with now waivers or difficulty. Get a job. I wouldn't volunteer at an interview that I was looking into the Air Force.

Good luck.

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